Invariably, the Irishman’s side tried to stand toe to toe with Dortmund. It was a firm reminder that the Champions League finalists can embarrass you with either a defence splitting pass, outstanding movement or clinical finishing. The key differences at this level. Coupled with shooting yourself in the foot, life was made easy for Nuri Sahin’s side who hardly got out of second gear.
This is not something new for Celtic, sadly. Rodgers, Postecoglou, Lennon and Deila teams have all been at one stage given more than a few knockout blows on the continent. Some more than others. Surely, it is time for Rodgers to offer a more pragmatic approach to these games?
Serhou Guirassy celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024 (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
When he guided his Leicester team to a Europa Conference League semi-final, narrowly missing out on reaching the final, his side was compact and hard to beat. Instead of trying to always throw punches against top opponents, the Celtic manager should take a step back and be cautious when travelling to arenas like the Signal Iduna Park. Coming out with a high-press, all guns blazing approach only leads to one result. As we all saw, it is not a very nice one.
Furthermore, this abject, shambolic record of continuing to be embarrassed in the Champions League cannot continue. The scoreline is a horror show for Rodgers – who is in badly need of some signs that Celtic can compete away from Glasgow’s East End at this level. Since his return to Glasgow, it has been four Champions League defeats away from home, conceding 17 and only scoring once.
UEFA Champions League Borussia Dortmund v Celtic 01 10 2024 Fans of Celtic at the start of the match, flags UEFA Champions League match at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund. Photo BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Buriakov
Nights like last night only point towards that there is still major work and healing to do in order to turn a corner and move on from past results like we watched unfolding in Dortmund yesterday evening.
Radical planning needs to be done prior to Bergamo. Europa League winners, who are a very similar profile to Dortmund. Will Rodgers learn from his harsh lessons in Italy?
Conor Spence – Hurting badly in Dortmund
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Publish date : 2024-10-02 10:01:27
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